While you've likely used a shovel to clear off the sidewalk or driveway, you've probably never used a shovel to save someone's life. This is exactly what a backcountry shovel is designed to do; therefore, choosing and carrying a shovel is extremely important. In addition to an avalanche beacon and probe, the shovel is one of the big three backcountry skiing… read more
A kicker is a jump designed to launch you and your snowboard into the air, allowing you to practice skills or just enjoy some air time. When you're at a resort, you can hit the park, where you'll find plenty of kickers crafted by skilled staff. Learn how to build your own kicker and you'll be able to practice your skills anywhere. read more
Whether you are lost in the deep snowy wilderness or simply looking for a way to enhance your regular camping experience, knowing how to build a snow igloo may be a very useful skill to possess. Despite initially seeming illogical, holing up in a good snow igloo -- surrounded by ice and snow as you are - can actually help you preserve heat in an otherwise fr… read more
Climbers and skiers traveling in avalanche terrain carry specialized rescue equipment that helps locate avalanche victims quickly. Each member of the party takes along three necessary items: a beacon, a probe and a shovel. Newer safety devices, like the Avalung and avalanche airbags, supplement the primary equipment. read more
The best snow ramps are found at ski resorts, but with a little effort you can build your own ramp. Tailor it for your purpose and build it with safety in mind. A steep ramp will let you catch more air, but it also requires a steep hill to build speed ahead of the ramp. A low incline is fun for sledding, snow boarding and skiing. It limits your hang time an… read more
Mountaineering is one of the most challenging and rewarding of backcountry experiences. The inhospitable conditions, difficult terrain and sheer altitude of the mountain environment make summiting a peak a great personal achievement.… read more
Learning how to build a snow cave can be a lifesaver in more ways than one. First and foremost, snow is a powerful insulator against the cold and also against wind. Thus it can aid you in your outdoor survival, especially if you are ca… read more
Essential mountaineering gear varies considerably---depending if you are thinking of simply hiking up a snowy mountain or intend to go backpacking and perhaps stay overnight during the summer months. But there are some basics that ever… read more
Following an avalanche, the average victim has about 15 minutes to survive. This means his group has 15 minutes to find his general location with a transceiver, probe the snow to get an exact location and shovel him out. After that, th… read more
When it comes to tearing up the slopes--in the moguls, in the pow-pow, or on the piste--a proper set of equipment is a must. Not only will it improve your performance, it will make you more comfortable and, ultimately, ensure a more e… read more
If there is an ugly gray road cutting across the mountainside, right through the otherwise flawless ski run, that's where the concept of a road gap comes in. A road gap is a ramp that allows skiers to literally jump the road and contin… read more
Packing for a ski trip can be a tedious task, but planning ahead can alleviate some of the stress. The list will vary for every skier as the items needed will depend on factors such as ski destination, type of ski trails (groomed or un… read more
Winter hiking requires quite a bit of specialized equipment. Staying dry, warm and comfortable may be necessary for comfort on a summer hiking trip, but they are necessary for survival in the winter. Check and double-check all of your… read more
Many snowboarders also like to skateboard, and look for different ways to use skateboard obstacles in the snow. Making a fun-box out of an old picnic table is a good project: It is versatile, snowboard friendly, and not very difficult… read more
Ice fishing shelters provide more than just protection from the wind and elements. Ice shelters allow for the removal of snow off the ice so you can see below the surface into the water, giving an edge in shallow water where fish are p… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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